Well, this was a week!
The past two Decembers, at least in my area, have been mild. There hasn’t been much snow. The temps have been cold, but not extreme. There’s been wind (Hello, #Iowa LOL), but nothing too painful.
This December, thus far? Let’s just say we haven’t been quite so fortunate.
Thankfully, the snow has been very minimal, but the outdoor “feels” have been less than fantastic…and it’s not officially Winter for another week. Eek! I’m glad I’m Iowa Tough!
The time had come.
After 12 years of organizing (and running in) the local turkey trot in my former town, I had my sights set on a new venture this Thanksgiving. You know the drill…new house, new town and a new trot.
Wouldn’t you do the same?
Show me the bling!
It’s no secret I love my races, and I love the bling that comes home with me. The medals not only represent all the blood, sweat, and (sometimes) tears that got me to the finish line, but also serve as great keepsakes.
The 2024 bling count isn’t as grandiose as in years past, but all is well. I had a lot of stuff going on with my houses (selling and buying), relocating, and the new job. My available time for proper training just wasn’t optimal, and many weekends were packed with other necessary tasks. Such was my reality, but I remained vertical, LOL.
Talk about your Iowa weather reality checks.
Yeah. Although the calendar isn’t showing Winter’s official arrival for a couple weeks, Momma N had other plans. We’re talking January-like temps, wind, and weather conditions most of the week. Brrr!
And yet, I choose to live here, LOL.
How is it already time for not only the winter season, but also the holidays?
Alas, it’s also time for the final coffee chat of the year. Wow, didn’t see that coming quite so quickly!
What ya say? Shall we make a go of it, and do some hot beverage sipping and chatting?
Well, what do you know?
The holiday season is officially in full swing, the winter temps are pretty much locked-in, and the 2024 Runners World Winter Run Streak is underway.
This week had a lot of activity keeping me busy. It can be a challenging juggling act staying on task. There’s not only one’s day-to-day busyness, but let’s not forget the fitness and wellbeing we all need as well.
Somehow, I managed to get it all done…
Well, here we are again.
Back at the ‘Fessional, ready to come clean on a few things and usher in the final month of 2024. Yikes, how did we get here so quickly?
I’m not kidding when I say the weather is a wildcard.
This week blessed us with a little bit of everything (except sweltering heat). It is what it is, and we have zero control of what Momma N chooses to send our way, unfortunately. The best we can do is deal with it.
So I did my best to keep pace with what was thrown in my direction…
Ok Momma N.
It’s not the winter season yet, but that winter-like wind needs to slow itself down a bit. Actually, it could outright just sit this season out (as if, LOL).
I haven’t officially seen frost on the ground, but there were a couple mornings with temps that were flirting with sub-freezing conditions. Ugh.
Let it be said that I am NOT a fan of cold weather. The downside to a warm autumn is when the true seasonal weather arrives, it feels much colder than it should.
Such is life in the Midwest. At least it’s not snowing…yet…
Talk about the down and dirty of trail running!
This race had everything… hills, mud, downed timber, mud, and cow pies. Oh, did I mention mud?
Given the wet (and muddy) race day conditions, the RCC Run the Woods could have been called Run the Mud. It definitely called for digging deep into ones perseverance vault to withstand the rough, slippery and challenging terrain of the Goeldner Woods County Park.
All those factors made the finish line all that more sweet. At least that’s my glass-half-full perspective, LOL!
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The 2024 edition was no exception…
It was a cRaZy week!
You know how it goes…a change in schedule, a major shift in weather, a new ride to troubleshoot, and fitting in the fitness as best you are able. Let’s not forget a few random late nights watching baseball. Whew!
I’ve said before that sleep is overrated, but this week it was a rare commodity. Oh well, onward!
Things that make you go Hmmm.
Just like that, the summer-like feels have come to an abrupt halt. The hot beverages are within arms length. And I’m craving some chat time.
Shall we gather ‘round the virtual table, and have a virtual coffee talk? I’m game, so let’s do it!
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So, here we are. More than a month (officially) into the fall season.
The thing is, it’s been feeling more like late summer than fall, and it’s been rather nice! While I’m in no hurry for the true fall to arrive, I do know it’s inevitable. Sigh…
Alas, it’s also time for another gathering ‘round the ‘Fessional as we prepare for another month’s arrival. As always, I have a few ‘fessions to bring forward.
…and just like that, it was Taper Week!
It’s crazy how fast a race can sneak up on you when you really haven’t properly trained for it. I know, my bad.
It’s a Catch-22 situation being a seasoned half marathoner. I know the desired mileage for the optimal training, but I also know that (somewhat) consistent long-ish runs (most weekends) will get me to the start line.
Alas, here I am…
It was a week filled with all things Color (and some Paint, PTO and a little bit of Patience).
Actually, this colorful endeavor began last Saturday morning and has continued through the entire week. There’s still a lot left undone, but I'm enjoying the process and loving the continued progress. Color totally soothes the soul, much like running (and fitness in general).
Speaking of running (and fitness), it also was a decent week of continuous activity and movement. Suffice it to say my quads saw a lot action on the ladder and my glutes did their fair share of squat “holds” as I painted along numerous baseboards (cross-training, LOL).
I think Momma N’s confused.
I’m not complaining, but it has me amused. She’s been giving us fall-like mornings and summer-like afternoons. Any last morsel of summer she throws my way, I’ll gladly take (even if I have to layer-up in the wee hours).
Let’s suffice it to say this week had me relishing the “PM” hours. There was plentiful sunshine and wonderful weather to behold. And I was there for it!
Hello, October!
Thus far, you’ve brought some cold mornings, but also warm (borderline hot) afternoons. While the diminishing daylight is a total buzzkill, I’m making do by cherishing every last morsel of what remains of Summer 2024.
With this new month off and running, it’s time to meet with friends, over coffee, for our monthly chat. My hazelnut cappuccino is ready to go…shall we get this party started?
Well, well, well.
The autumn season made its (unwelcome) arrival, on Sunday (September 22nd), bringing with it a 30-degree temperature plummet. Ugh!
The good news was this intro to Fall 2024 was short-lived, and the temps rebounded back to summer feels-like conditions by the next day. The great news was that these beautiful weather conditions lasted the entire week!
Just like that, it's time to hit the 'Fessional and come clean.
You know the drill...we take a few minutes to disclose a few "unmentionables," and our "soles" are cleared for take-off. Kind of a nice cleansing send-off to one month as we get ready for the next ones arrival.
Well, it should come as no surprise, I have a few 'fessions that need mention. None of these are critical, and none are life-changing. In fact, they're more of a First World Problem caliber...
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If we’re talking weather, some like it hot.
Myself? I’m definitely part of that jurisdiction. This past week had me enjoying all kinds of summer-like feels, and I had the glistening & glowing to prove it (not to mention a surplus of laundry).
As I’ve said numerous times, I’ll take the summer heat, any day, over the winter cold.
After a much-too-soon fall preview, this week had us rebounding back to summer.
For obvious reasons, I was totally on board with Momma N and her weather games this week. As far as I’m concerned, she can keep those fall-like temps in hiding until the fall season actually shows on the calendar, or even longer.
Darkness falls across the land…and I’m less than thrilled.
Did you get that Michael Jackson musical reference (from his1982 hit, Thriller, for those who were drawing a blank, LOL). The dwindling daylight seems to be in overdrive all of a sudden. I know this happens every year, and I have been around for awhile, but it still seems to happen almost overnight. BTW, how is it that we’re almost on the dark side of the Autumnal Equinox?
Anyways, it’s the reality. There’s no sense in fighting it, but I am doing my best to celebrate every minute of each day's remaining daylight.
Before I dive into the “dark” deets from the week, welcome to Weekly Run Down!
Shall we convene, con coffee, and chat for a bit?
I don’t know about you, or even the general population, but I’m always up for some chatter amongst my peeps. Even if we can’t meet face-to-face, a virtual gathering will suffice quite nicely. If there are warm beverages involved, all the better.
That being said, I’ll go first…
It was a hot one.
This past week, that is. The weather returned to its usual seasonal heat, and brought a fair share of brutal humidity with it.
Even the “cooler” mornings had me slicked & slathered with all kinds of dampness. Such is summer…
Well, well, well. Here we are, about to bid summer an unofficial “so long, see ya later.”
It’s never an easy time of year for me. We all know I’d love for summer to last forever, right?
Alas, reality dictates the seasons are on the verge of changing, so I guess it's best to just go with it. That doesn't mean I have to embrace it, though. At least there's still plenty of summer-like weather remaining before the big freeze hits us, and I plan to enjoy every last minute of it.
Sometimes the universe speaks to us.
Often times, it's a gentle whisper. Other times, it's a loud exclamation, urging you to take a halt. Ugh.
Any guesses what my message was, this week, and how it was delivered?
Yowza, what a week!
We’re talking almost nonstop action on the daily, as well as most evenings. Alas, never a dull moment! We all know that’s the way I best function, right?
It was another crazy week, navigating my way through the after effects of the previous week’s nasty tumble.
The residual road rash, along with several obnoxious gashes (in awkward places) made for a few frustrations. Although the muscle aches were notably diminished by week’s end, the wild card (the strategic “tight-fitting" scab on my knee) was still cramping my style.
Ugh, first world probs, anyone?
I’ve heard it said that flexibility is key.
That concept certainly can apply to many things, like ones work schedule or social obligations. Also, let’s not forget about the Olympians, especially the amazing gymnasts!
This week, at least in my world, saw a different kind of flexibility. The weather was all kinds of humid, dangerous, and rainy. Then there was an unfortunate mishap on an innocent morning run. Suddenly, without any warning, I found myself succumbing to an unplanned recovery mode of sorts…
The pleasure from a warm mug of goodness really makes my day.
Even in the heat (and humidity) of summer, I find myself still reaching for that daily hot beverage each morning. After all, I’m usually within the confines of an air-conditioned dwelling, so why not?
Even better, I love my chat time with friends, family, and other special peeps. Sharing a laugh (or several) is always a fun time as we catch-up on the latest happenings.
I say we gather for a bit and combine the two…
I’m all about movement.
Especially on my high-fitness days, but also during recovery periods. Movement is magic in my world. It’s what my mind, body and soul know. And it makes me happy.
Thus, this week saw lots of motion as I babied a few “compromised” body parts. And I smiled through it all.
Well, here we are again.
Back at the 'Fessional, with plenty of runfessions to share. I'm not sure how it's already that time of the month again. Seems like I was just doing the runfession routine...like yesterday.
We’ve all had those weeks…
The energy is not at full capacity. The schedule is a bit busier than usual. The body feels a bit off. Ugh.
What’s a good coping strategy? For me, I prefer to forge through the challenges, while keeping a mindful eye on all necessary TLC that needs attention. Also, a willingness to enforce some flexibility with the schedule never hurt no one.
Such was my week…
Is there anything greater than returning to a fun race, after a 1-year sabbatical of sorts?
I think not (but I may be biased as a runner).
Saturday evening had me toeing the start line of the Midnight Madness 5K (Ames, IA). I had been registered for the 10K, but Momma N blessed us with extreme heat and humidity, so the 10K was cut in half and merged with the 5K.
So yeah…
"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart."
Celia Thaxter knew what she was talking about. Yowza! The heat is on, and it’s most definitely on-point, but I'm grateful for whatever summer brings my way.
After the previous week’s “cooler conditions” relapse, this week was all about sweat equity. Suffice it to say there was a lot of glistening & glowing going on and creative hot weather hair hacks happening on the daily. You do what you gotta do...
Things that make me go “Hmmmm…”
I’m not quite sure how we got here so quickly, but yikes! The second half of 2024 is underway.
Shall we disclose a few (or five?) goals on the agenda, as we make our way through these remaining months?
Well, well, well.
Just when it was really starting to feel like summer, Momma N flipped the switch. Holy yikes, she dumped some crazy cold conditions on us this week!
Typically, moderate temps in the 70F range are quite comfortable. Immediately following the recent tropical conditions we'd recently had, these “moderate temps” felt a bit frigid. We also had cold (as opposed to balmy) wind and more rain than necessary.
At least it wasn’t snowing, LOL, and the grass is a beautiful bright shade of green as a result…
It's really the simple things that bring the most joy, wouldn't you agree?
A monthly gathering of sorts. Among friends. Around a virtual table. Coffee mugs in hand. And lots of chatter to be had.
I'm always up for getting together with my gal pals, virtual and otherwise. I also have a fondness for warm and cozy beverages, no matter how hot or cold the weather may be.
So, let's do this...
Summer, most definitely, is here!
I must say, though, this first full week of summer felt more like it was mid-season. The temps were especially high (as was the humidity) for late June. That said, you will never hear me complaining. If you were to ask my hair, however, you'd probably get a different answer.
It was almost as if Momma N was refereeing (or taunting?) the outgoing Spring and incoming Summer in a battle of seasonal weather. We had extreme heat (with sky-high humidity), plenty of rain and all kinds of psychotic wind.
Remember, this is Iowa. Anything calm just wouldn’t be our norm.
I’m always up for an adventure.
Likewise, I’m thankful for friends who are always willing to join me in my adventurous endeavors. Whether it involves a long-distance race (in a faraway place), a late-at-night run (under the full moon), or a day-long bacon-enhanced ride (with no guarantee on favorable weather), it’s great to have such friends.
Alas, the Baccoon Ride caught my attention and I simply had to check it out!
It ain’t summer yet (according to the calendar), but it sure feels like it!
Personally, I’m quite alright with that. As I’ve said numerous times, the summer season is far too short in the Midwest. I totally embrace the extended daylight, the warmth, and even the humidity (when it’s not too extreme).
This week certainly blessed us (me?) with all those summer feels….
What can I say?
DAM to DSM is my favorite race, and it never disappoints. My finish times, however, have not always been what I’d hoped… but the event, itself, is pretty stellar.
This was my 17th time taking part in all the DAM fun. Again, it gave me a taste of all things good…
Most know how much I look forward to this point-to-point race every summer. Most know, as well, that this spring wasn’t very conducive to long-distance training (at least not in comparison to what I usually have in terms of time and availability).
Nonetheless, I wasn’t gonna sit this one out...
Ahhh, it feels so good to have the "big" race in the rearview mirror, and a recovery week in the foreground.
This week was all about easy-peasy (but active!) recovery. The running was kept at the minimum, and there was a lot of muscle TLC and low-impact movement.
We also welcomed the "real feels" of summer with the arrival of consistent warmer temps and our first touch of humidity.
I'm feeling like some chitchatting and whatnotting are in order.
Anyone care to join me? We can gather around a virtual table. We can sip our virtual drinks of choice (my latest poison is a hazelnut cappuccino latte). And we can have some virtual conversation.
I'm game, with mug in hand...
Wow! A week of taper!
Ironically, it felt strange to remember that I actually had a half marathon happening on Saturday, June 1st. Not only did the date sneak up on me, but my mind and body just didn’t have the usual mojo to properly train.
Even with an erratic spring, in terms of stress and more than usual busyness, there was no way I’d sit this one out. Alas, the week of taper was upon me…
